President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Chris Wright, a prominent oil and gas industry executive, to head the U.S. Energy Department, signaling a renewed focus on fossil fuel production in his upcoming administration.
Wright, founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, is a leading figure in the shale industry and a vocal climate change skeptic. His appointment aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to boost fossil fuel production, epitomized by the slogan “drill, baby, drill.”
“Chris was one of the pioneers who helped launch the American Shale Revolution that fueled American Energy Independence and transformed global energy markets,” Trump said in a statement. “As Secretary of Energy, Chris will be a key leader, driving innovation, cutting red tape, and ushering in a new Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace.”
Wright’s career has been deeply tied to the fracking industry, with his work at Pinnacle Technologies and Liberty Energy playing a pivotal role in making the U.S. the world’s largest oil producer. Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, involves extracting oil and gas from shale formations and has been central to America’s recent energy boom.
In a video posted on LinkedIn last year, Wright dismissed the notion of a climate crisis, stating, “There is no climate crisis, and we’re not in the midst of an energy transition either.” He has also argued that energy’s primary purpose is to be “secure, reliable, affordable, and better human lives,” regardless of its source.
Trump has announced plans to establish a new Council of National Energy, with Wright serving as a key member. The council’s goal will be to streamline regulations and promote private sector investments to achieve U.S. energy dominance.
“Chris will help chart the path to energy dominance by cutting red tape and enhancing private sector investments across all sectors of the economy,” Trump’s campaign said.
Wright’s appointment is widely viewed as a win for the fossil fuel industry, which anticipates a boom under Trump’s leadership. The president-elect has pledged to open protected areas like the Arctic wilderness for oil drilling, arguing it will reduce energy costs and bolster economic growth.
During his first presidency, Trump rolled back numerous environmental regulations and made the U.S. the first country to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. He has pledged to continue prioritizing fossil fuels over renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, which he has frequently criticized.
Wright’s leadership at the Energy Department is expected to accelerate this agenda, with a focus on expanding oil, gas, and coal production while sidelining investments in renewable energy.
Environmental groups have already criticized Wright’s appointment, warning it signals a retreat from efforts to address climate change. “Chris Wright’s denial of the climate crisis and unwavering support for fossil fuels endangers our planet and future generations,” said Sierra Club President Ramón Cruz.
Despite the backlash, Trump and Wright are pushing forward with their shared vision of fossil fuel dominance, a move they argue will create jobs, lower energy costs, and enhance national security.
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